Description
On March 20, during the renovation, welders working on kitchen ducts inadvertently sparked flames and spread quickly, completely destroying the entrance building to the Empress Casino. The fire started around 10 a.m. and was not declared extinguished until nearly 10 p.m. that evening. Firefighters found Saturday still spraying water in hot spots throughout the destroyed structure. Unique structural abnormalities, such as empty spaces and ceilings inside the walls, have hindered firefighting operations thanks to firefighters' quick response that has helped spread the fire. They saved the main casino structure with little damage thanks to the quick response of firefighters who cut the entrance pavilion from the main building. The pavilion and entrance building had gift shops, restaurants, and offices.
Fire officials estimated the initial damage to be $290 million for reconstruction and $50 million for building contents replacement. Insurance estimates may be higher. 카지노사이트
Penn National Gaming said it runs Empress and will continue to provide health benefits to displaced workers as well as continue to pay them for at least 90 days. The company encourages employees to volunteer within the community while they wait and many are volunteering while they have the opportunity. Empress General Manager Frank Quigley expresses hope of reopening in three months.